Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that most of us would love to try. However, some patients are wary of its effect on their teeth. In this post, we’ll share how teeth whitening treatment works and its impact on your teeth.
How do teeth whitening products and treatments work?
Tannins are organic substances from plants that cause stains in our teeth. High levels of tannins are found in most teeth-staining foods and beverages like wine and coffee. These tannins and food acids accumulate in the enamel of our teeth, causing them to become yellow.
Most whitening products and treatments use mild abrasives and whitening agents to lighten the surface of the teeth. Over-the-counter whitening strips and whitening toothpaste can help your teeth achieve 2 to 3 shades lighter. However, you should apply them frequently to achieve brighter shades of teeth color.
On the other hand, teeth whitening services in a dental practice use highly-concentrated and medical-grade bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in the form of whitening gels. These whitening agents can penetrate the enamel and remove the surface stains on the teeth.
The blue LED light will activate the bleaching activity of the hydrogen peroxide. It boosts the effectiveness of the treatment with six to eight shades lighter.
What are the benefits of whitening your teeth?
Yellow teeth can affect not only your appearance but also your behavior on social occasions. They are often seen as unsanitary and can make anyone feel more self-conscious. Whiter teeth can help:
- Make your look more neat and clean
- Boost your confidence to smile more
- Reduce plaque buildup on your teeth
Risks associated with teeth whitening treatments and products
As harmless as it seems, a teeth whitening product or treatment can increase tooth sensitivity in some patients due to the peroxide-based bleaching products. Some tooth minerals can be flushed and expose the dentin, and trigger tooth sensitivity. However, it can be temporary, and the tooth sensitivity will fade once you restore the minerals lost in your teeth through your diet.
Also, sensitive teeth may not only be due to tooth bleaching but may also indicate an underlying dental condition or a result of other dental restoration like fillings. That is why it is best to have a dentist provide your professional whitening treatment to avoid damaging your teeth.
At-home whitening kits and other whitening products available in stores can also contain mild abrasives. They can also be successful in whitening your teeth if used with caution and according to the label instruction.
However, some abrasives can be too harsh for the tooth enamel and scratch off the surface of your teeth. If that happens, you can either end up with sensitive teeth or be prone to cavities.
Get a safe teeth whitening treatment with Soft Touch Dental
Nothing beats the ease and convenience of letting a dental expert handle your teeth. As a top-rated dentist in Florissant, Soft Touch Dental provides professional teeth whitening services to achieve beautiful and white teeth for as fast as 30 minutes to an hour. Schedule an appointment now and give yourself a new look this year.